MEDDLE

Meddle, released in late 1971, saw Pink Floyd's best-known sound taking shape. The instrumental "One of These Days" opens the album. The powerful, reverberating bassline propels the song as stabs of organ, twisting guitar, and the odd strike of percussion continue to build. The unusual effect on the bass acts as an instrument unto itself, particularly in the slower midsection. The song's final two minutes explode with searing guitar and warbling organ.

"A Pillow of Winds" follows this striking opener. While I'd argue that this song fits into the overall flow of the record, its slow, folky composition pales in comparison to the highlights on Meddle. "Fearless" maintains a similar sound palette, but the melody is more engaging, and the inclusion of drumming keeps the momentum up.

Side 1 ends on a pair of less-than-impressive tracks. "San Tropez" is a lightweight, jazzy piece, and "Seamus" is a brief, forgettable bit of acoustic blues with a howling dog in the background.

What everyone knows Meddle for, though, is the closing opus: "Echoes". Covering all of side 2 and clocking in at over 23 minutes, this is one of Pink Floyd's indisputable masterpieces. From the opening pinging piano notes, which evoke a satellite calling out from the icy void of space, the song gradually builds while Nick Mason's drums complement the grand-sounding organ.

Gilmour and Wright harmonize their vocals on this song, giving a gentle, dreamy atmosphere. The chorus swells gracefully before dissolving into a dramatic, downward guitar riff. Following the second verse, the song enters an extended instrumental period. At first, it's a natural extension of the post-chorus guitar solo, but the structure shifts, subtly at first, as the solo builds in intensity.

Around the 7-minute mark, "Echoes" enters a funkier, groovier movement. The irregular stabs of Hammond organ add depth behind Gilmour's bend-filled, bluesy soloing. After a few minutes, the song enters its well-known "whale song" section. Amid a sparse and ominous backdrop, Gilmour's guitar wails and squeals sharply.

These few minutes of eerie atmospherics gradually give way to an extended crescendo. Farfisa organ and a few more piano pings reestablish the opening atmosphere. Light cymbals and muted guitar and bass propel the movement as Rick Wright plays an organ solo over top of it. At 18 minutes, this section reaches its climax. David Gilmour unleashes a magnificent, glimmering arpeggio before dissolving into a third verse. The final few minutes feature one more masterful guitar solo before the song quietly fades out.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2021/03/01/deep-dive-pink-floyd/